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The Mariners made more cuts from the spring training roster on Sunday morning, leaving 51 players in their Major League camp.

Optioned to AA Jackson

Guillermo Heredia, OF

Re-Assigned to Minor League Camp

Paul Fry, LHP

Marcus Littlewood, C

Steve Lerud, C

Benji Gonzalez, IF

Tyler Smith, IF

Dario Pizzano, OF

Heredia, who the Mariners signed as a free agent out of Cuba a few weeks ago, got his first Cactus League plate appearance – a strikeout – in the Mariners’ 8-4 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday night. After two years away from organized baseball, Heredia needs games and plate appearances. He’ll get both in minor league camp and with Class AA Jackson.

The remainder of the cuts were expected. Fry, a lefty relief specialist and the Mariners’ reliever of the year last season, was considered an outside contender for the spot as the second lefty in the bullpen. He had seven saves and a 1.80 ERA (five earned runs, 25 innings pitched) in 22 relief appearances with Jackson last season, including allowing only one earned run over his final 17.1 innings pitched. He’ll likely be with Class AAA Tacoma.

Gonzalez and Lerud were signed as minor league free agents to provide organizational depth. Pizzano and Smith are considered prospects that could start the season in Tacoma. Littlewood will likely be back with Jackson

Ryan Divish: 206-464-2373 or rdivish@seattletimes.com; on Twitter: @RyanDivish. Ryan Divish covers the Mariners and offers his perspective all season. He gives his inside look at Major League Baseball and power rankings every Sunday.